Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie, and Carrie Underwood Open Up About Their American Idol Journey and Surprising Moments on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon

The trio’s chemistry was evident as they joined Jimmy Fallon for the Name That Song Challenge, a fun game that showcased their musical knowledge and playful dynamic. However, the conversation soon shifted to their work on American Idol, where they shared honest thoughts about their time on the show, what it was like when Carrie joined, and how they feel about contestants performing their hit songs.

Luke Bryan, who has been a judge on the show since 2018, spoke about how the panel has evolved over the years. “It’s a constantly changing dynamic, and you have to adapt to the contestants. Each season feels fresh, and working alongside Lionel and Carrie has made it even more fun.”

Lionel Richie, who has been with the show since 2018, echoed Luke’s sentiments, emphasizing how rewarding it is to guide young talent. “The most important thing is to give these contestants a chance and see them grow, and it’s incredible to see their confidence blossom.”

Carrie Underwood, who joined as a judge in 2025, shared her thoughts on how it felt to step into the role. “It’s a little intimidating at first,” she admitted. “But getting to work with such talented judges, it’s been an amazing experience. They’ve made me feel at home, and we’ve developed a great rapport.”